Ajifurai, or crispy Japanese fried horse mackerel, is a culinary delight that perfectly balances crispy, flaky fish with a tangy, creamy tartar sauce. This beloved Japanese comfort food is surprisingly easy to make at home, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The distinct flavor of the horse mackerel, enhanced by a simple yet effective breading, creates a textural experience that's both crunchy and tender. The homemade tartar sauce, bursting with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon, elevates the dish to new heights.
Forget complicated recipes and expensive restaurant meals; this ajifurai recipe is designed for home cooks of all levels. The perfectly balanced flavors and satisfying textures will leave you wanting more. Ready to learn how to create this irresistible Japanese classic? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and transform your kitchen into a haven of crispy, flavorful goodness.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Horse Mackerel (Ai)
- Salt
- White Onion
- Japanese Cucumber (or Western Cucumber)
- Nukatsue (Japanese Pickled Cucumber, optional)
- Eggs: 2
- Mayonnaise
- Rice Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Lemon Juice
- Breadcrumbs (Panko)
- Cake Flour
- Cooking Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Horse Mackerel
- Remove the scales and clean the horse mackerel carefully. Use the entire length of the knife, adjusting your grip for different parts of the fish.
- Trim off the head and fins, open the belly, and remove the innards. Clean the inside of the fish thoroughly, removing any blood clots.
- Cut the fish into fillets. Keep the knife moving widely and smoothly to preserve flavor. Start from the belly side, following the bone.
- Sprinkle salt on a tray, place the fish fillets on top, and sprinkle more salt evenly. Leave for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- After 15 minutes, wipe off any excess moisture from the salted fish fillets.
Step 2. Make the Tartar Sauce
- Finely mince the white onion, soak it briefly in water, and then squeeze out excess water. Similarly, prepare the cucumber (or nukatsue).
- Hard-boil the eggs, separate the yolks and whites. Mix the yolks with mayonnaise. Chop the egg whites finely and mix them into the tartar sauce.
- Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced onion, and prepared cucumber to the mayonnaise mixture gradually, mixing well after each addition to prevent separation.
Step 3. Bread and Fry the Fish
- Dredge the fish fillets in cake flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere well to all sides.
- Deep fry the fish in hot oil (around 180°C) for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Turn halfway through.
Step 4. Serve
- Arrange the fried fish on a plate and serve with the prepared tartar sauce.
Read more: Chikuwa Isobeage Recipe: Crispy Fish Cake Tempura
Tips
- Remove the fish scales carefully, using the entire length of the knife and adjusting your angle.
- When cutting the fish fillets, move the knife widely and smoothly to maintain the flavor.
- To make the tartar sauce smoother, finely mince the onion and squeeze out excess water from both the onion and cucumber.
- Add liquid ingredients to the tartar sauce gradually to prevent separation.
- Deep fry the fish at high heat for a short time to ensure a crispy and fluffy texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fish instead of horse mackerel?
Yes, you can! Other firm, white fish like cod, haddock, or even pollock will work well. Just be mindful that the cooking time might need slight adjustment.
2. How can I make the ajifurai crispier?
Ensure your fish is completely dry before breading. Use a good amount of oil for frying and maintain a consistent, medium-high temperature. Don't overcrowd the pan.
With its perfect blend of crispy texture and zesty flavor, this ajifurai recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. The satisfying crunch of the fried fish combined with the homemade tartar sauce creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious rewards of homemade Japanese comfort food!